The latest ban is in response to the escalating situation in Luzon where authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the presence of African swine fever (ASF), which is suspected to be the cause of a recent increase in hog deaths in local pig farms.

While Philippines authorities are on high alert, strict controls have been applied to the process of moving pigs and pork into and out of the country. For live pigs, only those with a veterinary health certificate and a shipping permit issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry's Quarantine Services will be permitted entry into the Philippines. Pork and pork products must have a certificate of inspection from the National Meat Inspection Service.

All persons entering Bohol have been told to "voluntarily dispose" of any pork products at the border where "designated receptacles" have been installed at ports.

Speaking to Rappler news network, Governer Yap says that "the hog industry in Bohol affects over 30,000 households in 21 municipalities" and is valued at "more than P6 billion".

"We have to be proactive in ensuring the protection and sustainability of our local hog industry," he added.